The Jordan-Hare American football stadium in Auburn, Alabama. Photo: AFP

"Multiple victims" were reported after a shooting at an apartment complex in the city of Auburn, Alabama, local media said Sunday.

Police officers have put up a covering around the crime scene to shield it from view and protect it from the rain, the Birmingham News newspaper reported.

No official number of the victims has been released, but local officials were quoted as saying that authorities would release a statement later in the day.

A local television station said the shooting took place late Saturday at University Heights Apartments in the city and involved football players.

ABC 33/40 reported that the apartment complex had been placed in a lockdown, and residents were unable to leave or enter the property until about 1:20 am (0520 GMT) Sunday.

According to the Birmingham News, the crime scene was located right in front of the apartment complex's office.

Multiple ambulances and police cars were on the scene.

Police officers combed through bushes and parking lots looking for evidence with the help of lights brought in by the fire department, the paper said.

Auburn, the largest and fastest-growing city in eastern Alabama, has a population of more than 53,000 people. It is home to Auburn University, which has more than 25,000 students and 1,200 faculty members.